1. Many similarities exist between the voyages of Cheng and the 15th Century Portuguese voyages- the main ones being their similar time period of exploration and the voyage destinations: Africa, India, and Asia. These voyages demonstrated the impressive navy of both nations and their ability to form foreign relations to express their large power.
2. Differences between the voyages of Cheng and the Portuguese include the fact that Cheng was voyaging for political power. The Portuguese were exploring to exert imperialism and to inadvertently make war on Islam which they believed to be their duty as Christians.